10-Day Cairo, Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel, Hurghada & Alexandria Holiday
Explore Giza, Abu Simbel and Luxor, then spend time on the Red Sea coast with a planned Nile cruise and private transfers
The short answer
10-Day Cairo, Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel, Hurghada & Alexandria Holiday is a 10-day, 9-night trip to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Hurghada: 4 nights in Cairo, 3 on a Nile cruise and 2 in Hurghada. Starts on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays. It includes an Egyptologist guide and transfers. Prices start at £1,911 per person, two sharing (Essential, October–April).
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation at the properties listed or similar.
| Comfort level | Where you stay or similar | Per personfrom, Oct–Apr | Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentialfrom £1,9113★ hotels · well-priced Nile cruises | Cairo · 4 nightsKemet Pyramids View Hotel Nile Cruise · 3 nightsMagic I Hurghada · 2 nightsSunny Days Mirette Family Resort | £1,911May–Sep: on request | |
| Comfortfrom £2,1014★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsRoyal Elite · Emilio Hurghada · 2 nightsSeagull Hotel Hurghada | £2,101May–Sep: from £2,177 | |
| Classicfrom £2,2835★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsRoyal Liberty · Stephanie Hurghada · 2 nightsSwiss Inn Resort Hurghada | £2,283May–Sep: from £2,177 | |
| Prestigefrom £2,7215★ deluxe hotels · 5★ deluxe Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsNile Serenity Hurghada · 2 nightsHilton Hurghada Plaza | £2,721May–Sep: from £2,644 | |
| Luxuryfrom £3,9125★ luxury hotels · 5★ luxury Nile cruises | Cairo · 4 nightsSt. Regis Cairo Nile Cruise · 3 nightsSonesta Star Goddess · Esmeralda | £3,912May–Sep: from £3,454 |
Nile cruise on full board. You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality. Choose your date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
A 10-day, 9-night trip · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Alexandria · Aswan · Abu Simbel · Kom Ombo
- 1
On arrival at Cairo International Airport (CAI), our representative meets you inside the terminal and helps with luggage before directing you to your private vehicle. The drive to your Cairo destination is approximately 22 kilometres, although traffic can affect the journey time. Our team monitors delays and can assist if your flight arrives late.
No sightseeing is scheduled today, leaving you time to settle in before your planned Cairo visits begin.
- 2
Begin at the Giza Plateau, where your guide introduces the Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the three principal pyramids. At Khafre’s pyramid, you can see surviving sections of its pale limestone outer casing. Continue to the Great Sphinx, whose human head and lion’s body were carved from the plateau’s limestone.
In the afternoon, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, where ancient Egyptian objects are arranged to show their historical setting. Expect sand, open ground and uneven stone underfoot, particularly around Giza.
- 3
Travel from Cairo to Aswan on a domestic flight, followed by a transfer from Aswan Airport to the city or Nile cruise embarkation point. Your guide then introduces Aswan’s granite landscape at the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, which remains connected to the quarry floor. In the afternoon, board a boat to Agilkia Island on Lake Nasser.
Philae Temple was moved there before the High Dam reservoir covered its original island. Explore reliefs dedicated to Isis before continuing with sightseeing along the Nile.
- 4
Your Egyptologist leads visits to the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Temple of Edfu during the Nile sightseeing programme. Kom Ombo honours Sobek and Horus, while Edfu preserves detailed reliefs dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. An early road excursion from Aswan takes you to Abu Simbel, where Ramesses II commissioned two temples cut into the rock. Expect a long day with substantial driving.
Your guide places the temple scenes in context, including their religious meaning and connection with ancient Nile travel.
- 5
During the morning, your guide introduces Luxor Temple on the Nile’s east bank. The Avenue of Sphinxes once linked this sanctuary with Karnak Temple. You’ll then explore Karnak’s vast precinct, including the Great Hypostyle Hall and the Sacred Lake, where your Egyptologist explains the complex’s religious role.
Amenhotep III and Ramesses II both enlarged Luxor Temple, reflecting the changing importance of ancient Thebes, the city that stood on the site of modern Luxor.
- 6
Your morning begins on Luxor’s West Bank at the Valley of the Kings, where an Egyptologist introduces the royal burial chambers cut into the Theban cliffs. You will visit three included tombs and see painted scenes and hieroglyphic inscriptions. At Deir el-Bahari, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut rises in broad terraces beneath the cliffs.
The Colossi of Memnon are two quartzite statues linked to the temple complex of Amenhotep III. In the afternoon, our driver takes you by private intercity transfer from Luxor to Hurghada.
- 7
In the morning, board a boat in Hurghada and sail towards Giftun Island. Your guide introduces the Red Sea environment before you enter the water for snorkelling, with opportunities to see coral and reef fish. Later, stop at Orange Bay for swimming and time on the sandy beach. The shallow water suits relaxed bathing, although the beach offers limited shade at midday.
Return to Hurghada by boat during the afternoon. Bring sun protection, water shoes and a modest cover-up for the boat journey and beach visit.
- 8
Your arranged morning transfer takes you from Hurghada to Hurghada International Airport for the domestic flight to Cairo. Keep your passport and travel documents accessible, as departure and arrival procedures can take time. On landing at Cairo International Airport, code CAI, a driver meets you for the transfer into Cairo.
Your Egyptologist or local representative confirms the meeting arrangements and explains the next stage of the itinerary. Flight and transfer times follow the confirmed schedule, so the day’s exact pace depends on the final flight departure.
- 9
Travel north from Cairo in the morning to Alexandria, around 220 kilometres away on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. At the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, your guide explains how Egyptian, Greek and Roman influences meet in this underground cemetery. You’ll then see Pompey’s Pillar, a 297 CE column carved from red Aswan granite.
Continue to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built near the location associated with the ancient Library of Alexandria. In the afternoon, follow the seafront to the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress built on the former site of the Pharos lighthouse.
- 10
Your driver collects you from the designated Cairo departure point and takes you to Cairo International Airport, known as CAI. The journey time varies with Cairo traffic and your terminal, so allow ample time for airport procedures. Assistance with luggage is provided, and your driver confirms the appropriate airport entrance before you leave.
There is no planned sightseeing today, giving you flexibility around your flight schedule. The departure transfer can take place in the morning or afternoon, depending on your onward journey.
02Overview
A first look
By dawn, the Giza Plateau is cooler than Cairo, with limestone underfoot and the city still gathering speed beyond the desert edge. Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure and the Sphinx set the scale for the days ahead, while Alexandria brings salt air, sea light and a slower Mediterranean rhythm.
Our Egyptologists help you read the detail, from the carved streets of Old Cairo to painted royal tombs on Luxor’s West Bank and the vast figures at Abu Simbel. Time on the Nile gives the itinerary breathing space, with a quiet stretch on deck between visits. We arrange private, air-conditioned transport rather than group bus touring, and our licensed Egyptian tour operator team remains available throughout.
What lingers
- 01See Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure at the Giza Plateau, with the Sphinx and the Valley Temple of Khafre.
- 02Explore Luxor West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 03Sail the Nile route between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple.
- 04Visit Abu Simbel and the Temple of Nefertari on an excursion from Aswan.
- 05Compare Cairo’s Coptic, Islamic and Jewish heritage at the Hanging Church, Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, Ben Ezra Synagogue and Al Muizz Street.
- 06Finish in Hurghada on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, with time for seaside relaxation after the sightseeing programme.
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Domestic flights
- Abu Simbel extension
- Red Sea extension
- Hotel pickup
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Meet-and-assist service on arrival in the Cairo International Airport arrivals hall.
- Four hotel nights in Cairo (two at the beginning and two at the end).
- Three nights in a cabin on a Nile cruise.
- Two nights in a Hurghada hotel.
- Meals listed in the itinerary.
- A private Egyptologist guide for the itinerary.
- All transfers in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Admission to every attraction listed in the itinerary.
- Flights within Egypt from Cairo to Aswan, and from Hurghada back to Cairo.
- One bottle of water during each sightseeing tour.
- Assistance throughout your stay.
- All applicable taxes and service charges.
Not included
- Flights between your home country and Egypt are not included.
- Egyptian entry visa.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for Egyptologists, drivers and cruise staff are not included.
- Personal spending and optional purchases are not included.
- An upgrade to a domestic flight to Abu Simbel is optional.
- Entry to the interiors of the Khufu or Khafre pyramids, unless specifically requested or stated in the itinerary.
- Admission to premium tombs, such as Tutankhamun's or Seti I's, is excluded unless specifically requested or included in the itinerary.
- Gratuities, unless specifically requested or stated in the itinerary.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Book the Abu Simbel excursion early; road departures commonly leave before sunrise.
- 02
At Giza, morning light often gives clearer pyramid photographs before desert haze builds.
- 03
Wear shoes with good grip on Luxor’s West Bank, where paths can be dusty and uneven.
- 04
At Khan El Khalili, compare prices at two stalls and negotiate calmly before buying.
- 05
Visit Philae earlier in the day for softer light and typically lighter boat traffic.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can be arranged as a private or selected small-group experience, subject to availability, with accommodation choices ranging from comfort to luxury. Travellers may request a domestic flight upgrade to Abu Simbel instead of the road transfer, additional pyramid or premium tomb access where available, extra Cairo or Red Sea nights, and alternative hotel or cruise-cabin categories.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits first-time visitors, couples, families with older children and history-focused travellers who want major Egyptian sites combined with a short Red Sea stay. It is best for travellers comfortable with early starts, domestic flights, several long road transfers, uneven temple surfaces and walking in strong sun.
Maybe not, if
- Not ideal for travellers requiring step-free access throughout, because temples and cruise gangways have stairs. Also not recommended for infants or children under six due to long coach transfers and early starts.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Seven nights aboard a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan
- Overland Abu Simbel excursion included, approximately three hours each way
- Private Egyptologist guide for the whole itinerary
- Two hotel nights in Cairo bookend the cruise segment
- Site entrance fees for listed attractions are included
Things to Consider
- Some sightseeing starts before 07:00
- Abu Simbel involves about three hours on the road each way
- Uneven ancient stone and temple steps underfoot
- Open-air archaeological sites offer limited shade at midday
Where it fits
This 10-day route brings Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Hurghada into one holiday, with hotel stays in Cairo and nights aboard a Nile cruise. It can be paired with extra time in Cairo or a separate Red Sea stay if you prefer a slower pace.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a standard Cairo-only holiday, this itinerary links Lower Egypt, Upper Egypt, Abu Simbel and the Red Sea in one journey. Unlike group bus touring, private air-conditioned transport provides a dedicated vehicle and more flexible sightseeing logistics, while the Nile cabin and hotels are arranged through third-party suppliers. The programme includes both a cruise section and hotel stays, rather than a cruise-only package.
Compare
Similar tours to compare
On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Private Guided Tour with Nile Cruise
- Accommodation
- Cairo Hotel and Nile Cruise Cabin
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Alexandria · Aswan · Abu Simbel · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Luxor · Hurghada · Giftun Island
- Includes
- Cairo hotel accommodation · Hurghada hotel accommodation · Assigned Nile cruise cabin · Meals as stated in the itinerary · Private Egyptologist guide · Private air-conditioned transfers · Domestic flights between Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Cairo/Hurghada as stated · Entrance fees to listed attractions · Airport meet-and-assist service · Assistance during the stay · Taxes and service charges
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · Ancient-history enthusiasts · Couples and families with older children · Travellers wanting a Nile cruise and Red Sea stay · Private-tour travellers · Guests seeking Cairo, Luxor, Abu Simbel and Alexandria in one itinerary
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Cairo International Airport (CAI), Arrivals HallMap
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- A valid passport and any required visa documents
- Walking shoes with a firm grip
- Sun cream with SPF 50 or above
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- A small bag for day trips
- Prescription medication
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings
- Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- A light scarf to shield you from the sun
- Swimwear for the Red Sea coast
Children & families
Children may join, but the supplied itinerary does not confirm a minimum age. Child pricing depends on the child’s age, room or cabin arrangements and supplier rules; we will confirm the applicable price before booking. Strollers are difficult to use on sand, uneven ancient paving and steps, including at the Giza Plateau and Luxor West Bank. A compact stroller is more practical, though it will not suit every site. High-chair availability depends on the dining provider and should be requested in advance.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This tour involves uneven ground, sand, ancient stone surfaces, steps and extended walking at the Giza Plateau, Alexandria, Luxor’s West Bank, Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple and Abu Simbel. Some monuments have narrow entrances and no lifts. Boarding the private vehicle and reaching a Nile cruise cabin may also involve steps. The vehicle reduces walking between sites but cannot remove these physical demands. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should contact us before booking so we can check vehicle access, guide support and arrangements at each stop.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange sightseeing and transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles with locally based Egyptian drivers and Egyptologists who know the roads and sites. Visits to Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Hurghada direct spending towards local transport, guiding, food and visitor-service providers. Supplier names and vehicle models depend on availability, so we do not claim a fixed fleet. One bottled water is provided during sightseeing. Carrying a refillable bottle can reduce plastic use where safe refill facilities are available. We review practical arrangements locally rather than selling an interchangeable package.
Licensed Egyptologist guides
State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs
Local teams, real help
Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how soon you let us know and on the kind of holiday. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Cairo, Alexandria, Nile cruise and Hurghada tour?
The tour lasts 10 days and links Cairo, Alexandria, the Nile, Abu Simbel and Hurghada. The pace is full, with archaeological visits, travel between regions and time on the Red Sea. Hotel accommodation and a Nile cruise cabin are arranged as part of the package; the final itinerary confirms the night-by-night plan.02What transport and pick-up arrangements are included on this Egypt tour?
Private, air-conditioned vehicle transfers and an airport meet-and-assist service in Cairo are included. A driver meets you for the scheduled airport and sightseeing transfers, while an Egyptologist guides the visits. The itinerary also includes domestic flights, but the exact flight sectors and meeting details should be checked in the final travel plan.03Which entrance fees, meals and accommodation are included?
Entrance fees for the attractions listed in the itinerary, accommodation, meals as specified and an Egyptologist guide are included. The arrangements combine Cairo hotel accommodation with a Nile cruise cabin. The itinerary states which meals are provided, so check it for each day rather than assuming every meal is covered.04What is excluded from the tour price?
International flights, an Egypt entry visa, travel insurance, gratuities and personal spending are excluded. Entry to the interiors of Khufu and Khafre’s pyramids, and premium tombs such as Tutankhamun’s or Seti I’s, also costs extra unless your confirmed itinerary says otherwise. Abu Simbel can involve an optional domestic flight upgrade.05How much walking is involved, and is the tour accessible?
Expect substantial walking over uneven stone, steps and archaeological ground, with limited access for visitors with significant mobility needs. Temple routes and tomb entrances can involve stairs or narrow passages, while cruise gangways may be steep. Private transport helps between sites, but it does not remove the physical demands of sightseeing.06Can children join this 10-day Egypt tour?
Children can travel on the tour, but the itinerary includes early starts, long drives and extended visits at archaeological sites. Abu Simbel involves a lengthy road journey if you take the road option. Families should consider how children manage heat, walking and changes of accommodation before confirming the trip.07What should I wear and bring for the temples, mosques and Red Sea?
Pack comfortable closed walking shoes, a hat, high-factor sun protection and a refillable water bottle for Egypt’s heat. Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites, including mosques in Cairo; light, modest clothing is practical at temples too. For Giftun Island, bring swimwear, a cover-up and footwear suitable for wet or sandy ground.08Can I take photographs at the sites and inside the tombs?
Photography rules vary between sites and may differ for tomb interiors, so check posted signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures. Some areas may restrict photography or require permission. Avoid flash where it is prohibited, and be considerate of other visitors and worshippers at religious sites.09What time of year is best for this Cairo, Nile and Red Sea tour?
October to April is generally more comfortable for sightseeing than the hotter summer months, particularly in Luxor and Aswan. Winter sun runs from November to March, though evenings can feel cooler. The Red Sea portion remains part of the route in every season, so bring sun protection even in winter.10How does the Abu Simbel visit work, and what is there to see?
Abu Simbel’s rock-cut temples were commissioned by Ramesses II and include the Temple of Nefertari. The itinerary describes a road excursion from Aswan, while an optional domestic flight upgrade may be available. A road visit means an early start and considerable time travelling, so confirm the transport arrangement in your final itinerary.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-CAI-536159
At a glance
- Length
- 10 days · 9 nights
- Starts
- Mon, Tue, Wed or Sat
- Route
- Cairo → Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Abu Simbel → Luxor → Hurghada → Alexandria → Cairo
- Nights
- 4 Cairo · 3 Nile cruise · 2 Hurghada
- Includes
- Egyptologist guide, transfers